The United Arab Emirates is celebrating International Workers\u2019 Day today, Friday, May 1, 2026, an annual occasion observed on the first of May to highlight the country\u2019s appreciation for workers and their important role in supporting the sustainable development taking place across different sectors.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s celebration is being held under the theme \u201cOne Family, One Nation\u201d, reflecting the deeply rooted humanitarian values of UAE society, which are based on respect, cooperation and compassion, as well as the country\u2019s commitment to providing a positive and safe work environment that enhances productivity and supports the stability of the labour market.<\/p>\n
His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmannan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, congratulated all workers in the UAE on this occasion. He affirmed that workers are a key pillar and active partners in achieving the UAE\u2019s ambitious vision across economic and social fields.<\/p>\n
He noted that workers\u2019 efforts directly contribute to strengthening the UAE\u2019s position as a preferred global destination for living, working and investing. He added that celebrating workers is a genuine expression of appreciation for their daily role in building the nation and supporting its progress.<\/p>\n
Al Awar also stressed that the UAE\u2019s social fabric presents a successful model of coexistence and solidarity among different nationalities and cultures. Workers, he said, are an essential part of society and contribute through their efforts to the country\u2019s development journey. The UAE continues to uphold the values of respect and human dignity, helping workers feel a stronger sense of belonging and stability.<\/p>\n
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, in cooperation with its partners in the government and private sectors, continues to implement initiatives that promote a culture of appreciation and care for workers. These efforts also support social protection and help strengthen the flexibility, competitiveness and attractiveness of the UAE labour market for national talent and global skilled professionals.<\/p>\n
As part of the International Workers\u2019 Day celebrations, gifts are being distributed to workers at worksites and labour accommodations. Gifts are also being presented to employees arriving in the UAE through airports, as part of an initiative aimed at expressing gratitude and appreciation on this global occasion.<\/p>\n
The UAE continues to enhance the protection of labour rights across different economic sectors through an integrated legislative framework that balances the rights of workers and employers. This system helps ensure a safe and stable work environment, supported by regulatory mechanisms that promote compliance and the adoption of best practices in the labour market.<\/p>\n
The UAE labour market recorded notable growth between 2021 and 2025. The workforce grew by 101.7%, while skilled labour increased by 49.9%, and the number of companies grew by 45.7% over five years. These indicators reflect the strength of the market and its role in supporting the national economy.<\/p>\n
By the end of 2025, 99% of private-sector workers were registered in the Wage Protection System and the Workers\u2019 Protection Insurance Programme. Meanwhile, 90% of the targeted workforce had registered in the Unemployment Insurance Scheme.<\/p>\n
In the field of awareness, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation provides its programmes in 17 languages. By the end of last year, 100% of targeted workers had completed mandatory orientation programmes, while more than 3 million workers benefited from specialised awareness programmes, helping them better understand their rights and obligations.<\/p>\n
Last year\u2019s results also showed a high level of commitment among private-sector establishments to worker protection standards. Around 99% of companies complied with the requirements of the annual policy on protecting workers from heat stress, while more than 10,000 rest stations were allocated for delivery workers.<\/p>\n
As part of efforts to promote labour accommodations that meet occupational health and safety standards, the number of companies registered in the labour accommodation system reached more than 2,700 by the end of last year. Around 1.9 million workers benefited from these facilities, which are designed to meet comfort and safety requirements.<\/p>\n
Nearly one million workers also took part in 100 celebratory events organised by the ministry last year in cooperation with its public- and private-sector partners across more than 30 locations in the UAE. This reflects the country\u2019s keenness to involve workers in national and community occasions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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